Mastectomy bra accessory device

ABSTRACT

According to various examples, a bra accessory device includes a strap having a first end and a second end; and a first connector connected to the first end of the strap and attachable to a bra, the second end of the strap attachable to a non-bra garment. According to various other examples, a bra includes a left cup; a right cup; and a bottom band disposed beneath the left cup and right cup and having a front section extending from the left cup to the right cup, the bottom band including a connector on the front section.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims to the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/053,901, filed Sep. 23, 2014, which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a mastectomy bra accessory used in conjunction with a prosthesis for the breast. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a mastectomy bra accessory that would be used upon wearing a bra after breast surgery (for example single or double mastectomy surgery or a lumpectomy surgery) to keep the prosthesis for the breast from shifting or being out of its normal or natural position on the chest.

BACKGROUND

After a mastectomy breast surgery, if a patient does not have breast reconstruction, the patient will wear a prosthesis in her mastectomy bra, post-surgery if she so desires. This usually occurs approximately four weeks after surgery, allowing the surgery area to heal. The prosthesis serves the same purpose as any other prosthesis: replacing a missing part of the human body. This is to provide the appearance that is as close as possible to a woman's pre-surgery image. This can also apply to a patient's having had a lumpectomy and having a portion of the breast removed. However, the prosthesis may become a hindrance, encumbrance, or additional burden for the patient when utilized by the patient.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a bra accessory device including a strap having a first end and a second end; and a first connector connected to the first end of the strap and attachable to a bra, the second end of the strap attachable to a non-bra garment.

Also disclosed is a bra including a left cup; a right cup; and a bottom band disposed beneath the left cup and right cup and having a front section extending from the left cup to the right cup, the bottom band including a connector on the front section.

Also disclosed is a system for securing a bra, the system including a bra including a left cup, a right cup, and a bottom band disposed beneath the left cup and right cup, the bottom band having a front section extending from the left cup to the right cup, the bottom band including a connector on the front section; a non-bra garment; and a bra accessory device including a strap, the strap having a first end and a second end, the first end having a connector attached to the connector on the front section of the bra, the second end attached to the non-bra garment.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a mastectomy bra accessory according to an example of the present disclosure including a first connector, a second connector, and a strap.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 1 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 1 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates a side view of the first connector of FIG. 1 in an open position according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of another example of a mastectomy bra accessory including a first connector, a second connector, a strap, and an adjuster according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 4 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 4 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of another example of a mastectomy bra accessory including a first connector, a second connector, and a strap according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of another example of a mastectomy bra accessory including a first connector with a hook end, a second connector, and a strap according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 8 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 8 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of another example of a mastectomy bra accessory including a first connector, a second connector, and a strap according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a front view of the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 8 with the first connector secured in a receiving sleeve of a bra according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A illustrates a front view of the receiving sleeve of FIG. 12 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13B illustrates a rear view of the receiving sleeve of FIG. 12 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13C illustrates a side view of the receiving sleeve of FIG. 12 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13D illustrates a front view of an adjuster for the strap of FIG. 8 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14A illustrates a front view of another example of a bra defining connector openings according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14B illustrates a detailed view of the bra of FIG. 14A taken from detail A in FIG. 14A according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14C illustrates a front view of another example of a bra defining connector openings according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14D illustrates a detailed view of the bra of FIG. 14C taken from detail B in FIG. 14C according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15A illustrates a front view of the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 8 with the first connector secured in the connector openings of the bra of FIG. 14A according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15B illustrates a detailed view of the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 8 and the bra of FIG. 14A taken from detail C in FIG. 15A according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16A illustrates a front view of another example of a receiving sleeve according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16B illustrates a rear view of the receiving sleeve of FIG. 16A according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16C illustrates a side view of the receiving sleeve of FIG. 16A according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16D illustrates a detailed view of the receiving sleeve of FIG. 16A taken from detail D in FIG. 16A according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17A illustrates a front view another example of a mastectomy bra accessory including a first connector, a second connector, and a strap according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17B illustrates another example of a connector for the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 1 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17C illustrates another example of a connector for the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 1 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17D illustrates another example of a connector for the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 1 according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 illustrates the mastectomy bra accessory of FIG. 1 with the first connector secured to a bra and the second connector secured to an outer garment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When a patient goes through a traumatic event such as losing a breast or a portion of the breast, the last thing she wants to worry about is how she looks. The patient wants to focus on her prognosis and physical recovery, which may involve some challenging treatment. A prosthesis allows her to have a “normal” appearance. However, the prosthesis needs to be a help and not become a hindrance, encumbrance, or additional burden for the patient. In particular, since the prosthesis is filling in the place within the bra cup where the congenital breast has been removed, there is no skin surface area (and included volume)-to-bra contact or connection, thereby leaving the bra and its prosthesis to freely shift out of a normal position on the chest wall. Therefore, there is a need for a prosthesis that remains in the position where the breast would normally have been pre-surgery when utilized. To hopefully maintain a normal appearance after surgery, the faux breast prosthesis should not be “moving around” or dislocated. This can create embarrassment, insecurity, and depression for the patient, which only adds to her burden of having had the initial diagnosis, required surgery, and possible treatment.

This aid or accessory device for the mastectomy bra enhances the patient to have her normal appearance as she functions in everyday life. It, too, provides comfort, security, and confidence in her “new normal” and aids in her self-esteem.

The accessory device of the present disclosure addresses the need for a prosthesis, which, when worn, to remain in the position where the breast would normally have been pre-surgery. The accessory device is simple, comfortable, and easy to use. It is neither visible nor discernable to the public eye while being worn. The device is intended to hold the mastectomy bra in place, thereby keeping the prosthesis in its proper place. This enables a woman to function as she normally would, as though she still had her natural breast. It also reduces movement of the bra and thereby discomfort caused by movement of the bra, as pressure and/or pain on any surgery scars and/or any lymphedema, can be, and often are, results of the surgery. Practically speaking, the patient now can lift her arms, wave good-bye, exercise, write on a board, and do any arm movements that are natural occurrences in everyday life, without worrying that her prosthesis will creep up her chest or move to the middle of her chest or to any other location that is not a normal breast position. This allows the patient to move freely, not worrying about her appearance and to have that confidence that she truly deserves as any other non-breast-cancer woman.

Disclosed are a bra device and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. The device includes a strap, a first connector, and a second connector. It would be understood by one skilled in the art that the disclosed strap, first connector and second connector are described in but a few exemplary examples among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

One example of a mastectomy bra accessory is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. As illustrated, in one example, a mastectomy bra accessory 20 has a strap 22. In various examples, the strap 22 is constructed from a single piece of elastic material. In other examples, the strap 22 may or may not be an elastic material but could be any other suitable material such as leather, nylon, fabrics, and various other materials that may be a stretchable or extendable material or a non-stretchable or non-extendable material. In some examples, the strap 22 may be covered and/or trimmed in lace, rick-rack, or any other decorative trim (illustrated in FIG. 17A). In various examples, the strap 22 may be approximately 2.25 inches long and approximately 1 inch wide. However, in other examples, the length and width of the strap 22 may be shorter, longer, thicker, or thinner depending on the preference of the patient and/or depending on the patient's body proportions as measured from the bottom of her breast area to her waist area. In examples where the strap 22 is constructed from a stretchable or extendable material such as elastic, the strap 22 will accommodatingly stretch and contract, depending on body movement.

In various examples, the strap 22 may be various colors such as pink, white, red, black, blue, yellow, beige, or various other colors as desired by the user. In one example, the color of the strap 22 is white. In other examples, the strap 22 may have any color or be transparent, depending on the patient's preference. In various examples, the strap 22 may be a clear or transparent plastic to prevent viewing of the device if a thin outer garment is worn over the mastectomy bra accessory 20. In other examples, the strap 22 may include words, slogans, graphics, or designs on the surface of the material. The graphics, words, slogans, and designs may be integral with the material of the strap 22 or may be connected to the strap 22 through various attachment mechanisms such as adhesives, glues, sewing, stitching, ironing, or various other suitable attachment mechanisms. In various examples, the words and/or slogan may be words of encouragement such as “Survivor!”, “Courage”, “Keep On!”, “Fight!” and other words of encouragement relating to breast cancer. In other examples, the material may have symbols on the surface. In one example, the symbol may be the pink breast cancer ribbon symbol. In other examples, the symbols or designs may include stars, rainbows, flowers or any other personalized design. For example, the strap 22 may be personalized with significant dates such as surgery dates or 5-year survival dates or any other design.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mastectomy bra accessory 20 includes a first connector 23 and a second connector 24. The first connector 23 and the second connector 24 may be selected from the group of connecting mechanisms including, but not limited to, snaps, clips, clasps, buttons, loop, hose-grips, snaps, hook-and-loop connectors, hooks, suspender button, hook-n-eye, or any other suitable connecting mechanisms. In various examples, the first connector 23 and the second connector 24 are the same type of connecting mechanism; however, in various other examples, the first connector 23 may be a first type of connecting mechanism and the second connector 24 may be a second type of connecting mechanism.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and in various examples, the first connector 23 and the second connector 24 are clasps. In the illustrated example, the connectors 23,24 are suspender clasps; however, in various other examples, the connectors 23,24 are any suitable type of clasp. In one example, the clasps may be made of metal and may be silver and/or gold in color. In other examples, the clips and/or clasps may be made of a material other than metal, such as a plastic material, and may be any color or transparent. For example, in other examples, the clasps may be beige, nude, brown, or black color to blend in with the patient's natural skin color. In various examples, the connectors 23,24 may have a width from ½ inch to 1 inch at the widest part of loops 25,29 of the connectors 23,24, respectively, and may have a length from 1 inch to 1½ inches. However, in other examples, the connectors 23,24 may have a width less than ½ inch or greater than 1 inch and/or a length less than 1 inch or greater than 1½ inches.

FIG. 17A illustrates the mastectomy bra accessory 20 with a graphic 1700 attached to the strap 22 and lace 1702 a,b on the strap 22. The graphic 1700 may be any graphics, words, slogans, and designs desired by the wearer. The graphic 1700 and the lace 1702 may be integral with the material of the strap 22 or may be connected to the strap 22 through various attachment mechanisms such as adhesives, glues, sewing, stitching, ironing, or various other suitable attachment mechanisms. In various examples, FIG. 17B illustrates another example of a first connector 1723 that includes a suspender button clasp 1720. In various examples where the first connector 1723 includes the suspender button clasp 1720, the first connector 1723 includes a hole 1721 to utilize a button sewn onto the garment or undergarment and attached to the garment or the undergarment. The number of button clasps 1720 or holes 1721 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. If both connectors 23,24 of the mastectomy bra accessory 20 are button clasps, buttons would need to be sewn on the bra's bottom band to allow the suspender button clasp to attach inside the attire worn (slacks, etc.) or inside the undergarments. FIG. 17C illustrates another example of a first connector 1734 that includes a hook 1730. FIG. 17D illustrates another example of a first connector 1744 that includes a loop 1740 connected to the strap 22 through any suitable attachment mechanism. The first connector 1744 also includes buttons 1741 a,b in various examples. The number of loops 1740 or buttons 1741 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure.

In other examples, hose-grips may be utilized as the connectors 23,24. In other examples, the connectors 23,24 of the mastectomy bra accessory 20 could be any kind of snap, hook-n-eye, hook-loop or any other mechanism suitable for attaching two things together. In various examples, the connectors 23,24 may be a fabric hook and loop attachment mechanism, such as that sold under the trademark Velcro®. In various other examples, the connectors 23,24 may be a washable fabric hook and loop attachment mechanism such as that sold under the trademark Velcro®. In various examples, one or both connectors 23,24 may be a hook-loop attachment mechanism. In these examples, the hook or loop mating mechanism may be one or both connectors 23,24 and the corresponding hook or loop mating mechanism may be sewn onto the bra's bottom band and/or the non-bra garment. In various other examples, only one connector, such as the first connector 23, of the device may be a hook-loop attachment mechanism and the other connector, such as the second connector 24, may include a clasp attachment mechanism.

In other examples, the backs of the connectors 23,24, respectively, may be covered with a soft material to provide comfort. For example, the respective backs of the connectors 23,24 may have felt, flannel, or any other material for comfort. In the current example, the connectors 23,24 have a rectangular shape. However, in other examples, the connectors 23,24 may have any desired shape such as a polygon shape, a rounded shape, or any other desirable shape. In yet further examples, the connectors 23,24 may have a drawing, symbol, logo, or other design on an outer surface of the connectors 23,24. The drawing, symbol, logo, or other design may be integrally formed with the connectors 23,24 or may be attached to the connectors 23,24 through suitable attachment mechanisms such through adhesives, glues, printing, or various other suitable mechanisms.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the connectors 23,24 of the mastectomy bra accessory 20 are connected to the strap 22. In various examples, the connectors 23,24 are connected to the strap 22 by inserting ends 27,28 (illustrated in FIG. 2) of the strap 22 through the loops 25,29 of the connectors 23, 24, respectively, and then looped back in the opposite direction. The connectors 23, 24 may be secured to the ends of the elastic strip of material with sewn seams 26 a,b. In various examples, the lengths of the seams 26 a,b, respectively, may be approximately the width of the strap 22. For example, in various examples, the seams 26 a,b may be approximately 1 inch long each on both ends of the strap 22. In other examples, the connectors 23,24 may be secured to the ends of the elastic strip of material with or without sewn seams 26 that may or may not be approximately 1 inch long each on both ends of the strap 22.

FIG. 3A illustrates the mastectomy bra accessory 20 with the connectors 23,24 in a secured position. FIG. 3B illustrates the first connector 23 in an open position. Either connector 23, 24 of the mastectomy bra accessory 20 may be attached to a bottom band 1802 of a bra 1800 (illustrated in FIG. 18). The bra 1800 includes a left cup 42 and a right cup 44. The bottom band 1802 defines a front section extending from the left cup 42 to the right cup 44. In various examples, the bottom band 1802 includes at least one connector on the front section

The connectors 23,24 are attached to bra 1800 by moving the connectors 23,24 from the open position to the closed position. For illustration purposes of this description only, it will be assumed that first connector 23 is chosen. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the first connector 23 has an opening 27, a gripper 31, a top clasp 32, and a bottom clasp 33. To attach the mastectomy bra accessory 20 to the bra 1800, the first connector 23 is opened and the bottom band 1802 of the bra 1800 is inserted into the opening 28 between the top clasp 32 and the bottom clasp 33 of the first connector 23. To secure the bra insertion, the first connector 23 is moved to the closed position (illustrated in FIG. 3A) where the top clasp 32 is pressed closed against the gripper 31 and the bottom clasp 33. In the closed position, the opening 27 of the first connector 23 is minimized and the gripper 31, top clasp 32, and bottom clasp 33 are pressed together firmly such that the bottom band 1802 of the bra 1800 is secured between the gripper 31 and the bottom clasp 33. The second connector 24 of the mastectomy bra accessory 20 attaches to the user's undergarments or outer garment 30 (illustrated in FIG. 18). Undergarments may include underwear, panties, girdles, thongs or any other garment typically worn underneath outer clothing and/or hidden from public view. Outer garments may include slacks, shorts, skirts or any other garment typically worn that is visible to the public view on the person. In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the attached mastectomy bra accessory 20 extends in a vertical direction from the user's undergarments and/or outer garment.

In the present example, the second connector 24 operates in the same manner as the first connector 23 and includes a top clasp, which may be functionally similar to the top clasp 32, a bottom clasp, which may be functionally similar to the bottom clasp 33, and a gripper, which may be functionally similar to the gripper 31. In various examples, as the second connector 24 is opened, the top 35 of the outer garment 30 is inserted into the opening 28 of the second connector 24, which may be similar to the opening 27 of the first connector 23, between gripper and the bottom clasp. To secure the garment insertion, the top clasp is pressed closed against the gripper and the bottom clasp, thereby minimizing the opening 28 of the second connector 24 so that the gripper, bottom clasp, and top clasp are pressed together and the outer garment 30 is secured between the gripper and the bottom clasp. The mastectomy bra accessory 20 secured to the bra 1800 and the outer garment 30 secures the breast prosthesis in place.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another example of a mastectomy bra accessory device 80. The mastectomy bra accessory device 80 includes the strap 22, the first connector 23, and the second connector 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the mastectomy bra accessory device 80 also includes a self-adjuster 37 positioned on the strap 22. The adjuster 37 is adjustably movable along the strap 22 to adjust a length of the strap 22. The adjuster 37 may be utilized to shorten or elongate the strap 22 and thereby the mastectomy bra accessory device 80 depending on the wearer's preference as to tightness and her body measurements such that the strap 22 is on top of a divider 60 of the adjuster 37 (illustrated in FIG. 5).

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of a mastectomy bra accessory device 81. The mastectomy bra accessory device 81 includes the strap 22, the first connector 23, the second connector 24, and the adjuster 37. When the mastectomy bra accessory device 81 is adjusted by the user, the strap 22 moves freely through the adjuster piece 37, causing the length of the strap 22 to become lengthened or shortened, depending on the user's preference and/or on her body measurement as measured from the bottom of her breast area to the waist area.

To attach the adjuster 37 to the mastectomy bra accessory device 81, before the connectors 23, 24 are respectively attached to the strap 22, the strap 22 is inserted through openings 65 a,b (illustrated in FIG. 13D) defined by the adjuster 37 such that the strap 22 is on top of a divider 60 of the adjuster 37. Then, one of the ends of the strap 22, such as the end 28, is inserted through the loop 29 of the second connector 24, and then is inserted through the openings 65 a,b of the adjuster 37 again. When the strap 22 is inserted back through the openings 65 a,b, the strap 22 is under the divider 60 in an upward direction relative to the previously-inserted material in the adjuster 37. The end 28 of the strap 22 is pulled back in the opposite direction toward the second connector 24, and is secured to the bottom inside portion of the strap 22. In various examples, the end 28 is secured to the strap 22 with a seam 45, the length of which may depend on the width of the material. The other end 27 of the strap 22 is then looped through the loop 25 of the first connector 23 in a downward direction, and is secured to the strap 22. As previously described, the end 27 may be secured with the seam 26 a, the width of which may be the width of the strap 22.

FIG. 7 illustrates another example of a mastectomy bra device 82 with a strap 83 that is a narrower piece of material compared to the strap 22. The strap 83 may be constructed with a width that is similar to the width of an average bra strap. In various examples, the strap 83 may be made from a slender piece of elastic material. In other example, the strap 83 may be made from any other appropriate material as described above with reference to strap 22. In various examples, the width of the strap 83 may be approximately ⅜ to 7/16 of an inch; however, in other examples, this width may be adjusted or different to meet any other user-desired width.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate another example of a mastectomy bra device 38. As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the mastectomy bra device 38 includes the strap 22, a first connector 40, and the second connector 24. The mastectomy bra device 38 also includes the adjuster 37. As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, in various examples, the first connector 40 includes a hook 52. The mastectomy bra device 38 is secured to receiving sleeves 50 (illustrated in FIG. 12) of a bra 1200 (illustrated in FIG. 12) through the hook 52 of the first connector 40 in various examples.

The receiving sleeves 50 may be secured to the bra 1200, which may be a mastectomy bra or a non-mastectomy bra, through various suitable securing mechanisms such as sewing, stitching, adhesives, and various other suitable securing mechanisms (illustrated in FIG. 12). FIG. 12 illustrates three different locations, centered under the left bra cup 42, centered under the right bra cup 44, and centered between the left bra cup 42 and the right bra cup 44 on the bra 1200 where the receiving sleeves 50 are attached according to various examples.

In various examples, the first connector 40 may be made of plastic or metal, which may be transparent or have any desired color. The width of the first connector 40 is approximately ¾ of an inch in various examples; however, the first connector 40 can be wider or shorter, depending on the type of hook utilized. The first connector 40 may be secured to the strap 22 by threading the end 27 of the strap 22 into a connecting opening 61, which is defined by the first connector 40, and bringing the end 27 back around in the opposite direction, going behind the first connector 40, and pulling the end 27 so that the strap 22 passes below a bottom of the first connector 40. The end 27 is secured to the strap 22 after being threaded through the connecting opening 61 through a securing mechanism such as sewing, stitching, adhesives, and various other suitable securing mechanisms. In various examples, where the end 27 is secured through a seam 69, a length of the seam 69 may be approximately the width of the strap 22. Although the first connector 40 with the hook 52 is illustrated in this example, in other examples, the first connector 40 may be a hook-clasp with a button clasp attachment with holes to utilize buttons for attachment. The end 28 and strap 22 may be threaded through the adjuster 37 and second connector 24 and secured together as described above with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a mastectomy bra device 1100. The mastectomy bra device 1100 is similar to the mastectomy bra device and includes the first connector 40 having the hook 52, the strap 83, and the second connector 24. In various examples, the strap 83 could be made from a piece of elastic material for expansion, based on body movement; any other appropriate material could be used as well.

FIG. 12 illustrates the mastectomy bra device 38 secured to a bottom band 1202 of a mastectomy or non-mastectomy bra 1200 with three receiving sleeves 50 a,b,c secured to the bottom band 1202 of the bra 1200. The receiving sleeves 50 may be secured to the bra 1200 through any suitable securing mechanism such as sewing, stitching, adhesives, or any other suitable mechanism. The number of receiving sleeves 50 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other examples, the bra 1200 may have more than three receiving sleeves 50 or may have less than three receiving sleeves 50. In the present example, the locations of the three receiving sleeves may be on the bottom band 1202 of the bra 1200. More specifically, the receiving sleeves 50 may be on the bottom band 1202 centered under the left bra cup 42, centered under the right bra cup 44, or centered between the left bra cup 42 and the right bra cup 44. In other examples, the receiving sleeves 50 may or may not be on the bottom band 1202 and may or may not be centered under the left bra cup 42, middle of the band, and/or right bra cup 44. The current example illustrates the mastectomy bra device 38 secured to the receiving sleeve 50 b on the bra 1202. In various other examples, any of the receiving sleeves 50 a,b,c may be utilized, depending on the user's need and preference of wearing comfort. In various other examples, any desired number of mastectomy bra accessories 38, such as one mastectomy bra accessory 38, two mastectomy bra accessories 38, or three mastectomy bra accessories 38, may be used on the bra 1202 at any of the receiving sleeves 50 a,b,c, respectively. The number of mastectomy bra accessories 38 utilized may be varied depending on the patient's needs and preference. In various other examples, various combinations of mastectomy bra accessories 20,80,81,82,38,1100 may be utilized. The mastectomy bra accessory 38 is secured to the bra 1200 by inserting the hook 52 of the first connector 40 into an opening 58 a,b,c (opening 58 a illustrated in FIG. 13C; openings 58 b,c not illustrated) of one of the receiving sleeves 50 a,b,c, respectively.

FIGS. 13A-C illustrate the receiving sleeves 50 a. Although reference now is made to receiving sleeve 50 a, the following discussion is equally applicable to the receiving sleeves 50 b,c. The receiving sleeve 50 a may be made by bringing two ends 1300 a,1302 a of a piece of material 1304 a together and securing them together. As illustrated in FIGS. 13A-C, in various examples, the ends 1300 a,1302 a are secured through sewing to form a seam 51 a; however, in various other examples, the ends 1300 a,1302 a may be secured through any suitable securing mechanism. In various examples, the material 1304 a is elastic; however, in other examples, other materials or fabrics, such as cotton, may be utilized. In the present example, the length of the material 1304 a, before the ends 1300 a,1302 a are secured, may be approximately 1 inch in length. The length of the seam 51 a may be approximately ½ inch. In other examples, the length of the material 1304 a may be more than or less than 1 inch and the seam 51 a may be more than or less than ½ inch.

FIG. 13D illustrates the adjuster 37. As illustrated in FIG. 13D, the adjuster includes a body 1306 with the divider 60 defining the openings 65 a,b, respectively.

FIG. 14A illustrates another example of a bra 1400 having a bottom band 1402. As illustrated in FIG. 14A, in various examples, the bottom band 1402 of the bra 1400 defines six vertical openings 70 a,b,c,d,e,f in various examples. The number of vertical openings 70 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 14A, in various examples, the vertical openings 70 are in pairs such that vertical openings 70 a,b are a pair, vertical openings 70 c,d are a pair, and vertical openings 70 e,f are a pair. Accordingly, in the present example, the bra 1400 defines three pairs of vertical openings 70. In the present example, the vertical openings 70 are openings defined through the bra 1400 such that an item may be inserted into and through the openings 70. In various examples, the vertical openings 70 may be similar to button holes. The locations of the pairs of vertical openings 70 at the bottom band 1402 of the bra 1400 may be centered under the left bra cup 42, centered between the left bra cup 42 and the right bra cup 44, or centered under the right bra cup 44. In other examples, more or less than six vertical openings 70 may be used. In various examples, the vertical openings 70 may or may not be on the bottom 1402 and may or may not be centered under the left bra cup 42, centered between the left bra cup 42 and the right bra cup 44, or under the right bra cup 44.

FIG. 14B is a detailed view of the bra 1400 taken from detail A in FIG. 14A and showing one pair of the vertical openings 70 e,f. As illustrated, the openings 70 e,f are two vertical rectangular-shaped sewn openings. However, the shape of the vertical openings 70 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in other examples, the openings 70 may have any desired shape including, but not limited to, elliptical shapes, circular shapes, square shapes, polygonal shapes, or any other desired shape. In the present example, the two vertical openings 70 e,f are approximately ½ inch in height, approximately 1/16-⅛ inch wide, and are separated by a strip of material 76 approximately ½ inch wide. In other examples, the dimensions may be longer, shorter, thicker, or thinner. The perimeter of the six vertical openings 70 may be secured with heavy stitching 73 around the perimeter of each of the six vertical openings 70, similar to the stitching of a button hole, in various examples. The stitching 73 may be utilized to keep the perimeter from unraveling or from becoming frayed.

FIG. 14C illustrates another example of a bra 1404 with a bottom band 1406 having vertical openings 70 a,b,c,d,e,f (not shown) incorporated into designs 1408 a,b,c, respectively. The location or number of design 1408 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. The vertical openings 70 may be defined within the shape of the designs 1408, which may be a pink ribbon logo that is commonly known for representing breast cancer. As illustrated in FIG. 14D, which illustrates the design 1408 c, the hook 52 of the first connector 40 would slide through the two bottom bands 1414 e,1414 f of the design 1408 c having the ribbon shape and defining the vertical openings 70 e,f. The designs 1408 could be made in pink or any other color. Additional embellishments, such as rhinestones, etc., could decorate the designs 1408, by being on or around the ribbon. The designs 1408 may have any desired shape with openings 70 in various other examples.

In various examples, the designs 1408 may be integrally created with the bra 1404 or may be attached to the bra 1404 through any suitable attachment mechanism. In various examples where the designs 1408 are attached to the bra 1404, the hook 52 may slide through one of the two bottom bands 1414 a,1414 b, for example, of the design 1408 without sliding through the bottom band 1406 of the bra 1404. In another example where the designs 1408 are integrally created with the bra 1404, the hook 52 may slide through both the two bottom bands 1414 a,1414 b, for example, of the design 1408 and through the bottom band 1406 of the bra 1408. In this example, the bottom bands 1414 a,1414 b of the designs 1408 would define two openings to correspond with two openings in the bottom band 1406. When the designs 1408 are attached, the openings in the designs 1408 and openings in the bottom band 1406 would allow for the hook to slide through both openings. In other examples, the designs 1408 may be integrally formed with or part of the bottom band 1406. In this example, an opening in the bottom band 1406 would provide an opening through both the ends 1414 a,1414 b and the bottom band 1406. In yet other examples, the designs 1408 with openings may or may not be on the bottom band 1406, but may be on other parts of the bra 1404.

FIG. 15A illustrates the mastectomy bra accessory 38 secured to the bra 1400 at the vertical openings 70 c,d defined in the bottom band 1402 of the bra 1400. In various other examples, any of the vertical openings 70 may be utilized, depending on the user's need and preference of wearing comfort. The number of mastectomy bra accessories 38 should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as in various other examples, any number of mastectomy bra accessories may be utilized, depending on the patient's needs and preference.

In various examples, two mastectomy bra accessories 38 may be used at the same time by the user. In various examples, the location of the first connector 40 of a first mastectomy bra accessory 38 may be under the left bra cup 42 in the vertical openings 70 a,b, and the location of the first connector 40 of a second mastectomy bra accessory 38 may be under the right bra cup 44 in the vertical openings 70 e,f. In the various examples, upon securing the two mastectomy bra accessories 38 to the bottom band 1402 of the bra 1400 at the two locations, the straps 22 of the two mastectomy bra accessories 38 would be pulled in a sloped direction, respectively. In various examples, the straps 22 may be angled at various angles between 0° and 90° with respect to the vertical direction, such as about 45°. In various other examples, the straps 22 may be angled at any desired angle. In the examples with the two mastectomy bra accessories 38 connected under the bra cups 42,44, respectively, the mastectomy bra accessory 38 under the right bra cup 44 would be pulled to the left and the mastectomy bra accessory 38 under the left bra cup 42 would be pulled to the right, thereby creating a V together on the mid-section of the user's upper torso. The second connectors 24 of each mastectomy bra accessory 38, respectively, would connect to approximately the same location on the undergarments or outer garments of the user in these examples. In various examples location of the second connectors 24 would be the middle of the front of the undergarments or the outer garments. This location would be the bottom point of the “V” that is formed by the straps 22 of the mastectomy bra accessories 38, respectively.

FIG. 15B illustrates the attachment of the hook 52 of the first connector 40 to the bra 1400 as taken from detail C of FIG. 15A. As illustrated in FIG. 15B, the first connector 40 is secured to the bra 1400 by inserting the hook 52 of the first connector 40 into the vertical openings 70 c,d created behind the inside area of material 76 on the bra's bottom band 47 between the two individual vertical openings 70 c,d. A similar attachment process would occur for each of the three pairs of the six vertical openings 70 on the bottom band 1402 of the bra 1400.

FIGS. 16A-C illustrate the receiving sleeve 50 a secured to a tab 88 a. The following discussion is equally applicable to the receiving sleeves 50 b,c in various examples. The receiving sleeve 50 a may be secured to the tab 88 a through an attachment mechanism such as sewing, stitching, adhesives, or various other suitable mechanisms. In the present example, the receiving sleeve 50 a is sewn onto a tab 88 a which may serve as a backing for the receiving sleeve 50 a. The tab 88 a may be utilized to secure the receiving sleeve 50 a to the bottom band 1202 of the bra 1200. The tab 88 a may be provided for use with the mastectomy bra accessory 38. In various examples, the tab 88 a is a rectangular piece of fabric; however, the shape of the tab 88 a should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In various examples, the tab 88 a is constructed from a durable material or fabric such as elastic, a polyester blend, denim or cotton, or any other suitable material. The color for the tab 88 a and the receiving sleeve 50 a may be white, black, or any other color to match the user's bra 1400, so as to blend into the color of the bra 1400, if so desired by the user. Additionally, in other examples, the shape of the tab 88 a may or may not be a rectangular shape.

In the present example, the tab 88 a is made by sewing the receiving sleeve 50 a onto the tab 88 a, approximately ¼ inches from the top of the tab 88 a, making the entire length of the tab 88 a, with the receiving sleeve 50 a sewn on, approximately ¾ inches. In other examples, the length can be longer or shorter. The securing of the receiving sleeve 50 a to the tab 88 a is accomplished via a seam 89 a in various examples. In this example, the seam 89 a is approximately ½ inches long, but can be longer or shorter, depending on the widths of tab 88 a and the receiving sleeve 50 a. The seam 89 a may be made by going across the width of the tab 88 a and the width of the receiving sleeve 50 a at the same time. This seam 89 a secures the receiving sleeve 50 a to the tab 88 a. However, in other examples, the receiving sleeve 50 a can already have its own previously-sewn seam, securing its two sides together, and then securing it to the tab 88 a with an additional seam 89 a, thereby, producing a “double-seam”. In various other examples, the tab 88 a may be secured to the receiving sleeve 50 a through various other mechanisms such as various sewing, stitching, adhesive, or various other mechanisms.

The dimensions of the tab 88 a may be approximately ¾ inches in length and ½ inches width in various examples. However, in other examples, these dimensions can be made longer and/or wider. The length of the tab 88 a may be longer and/or wider at a top area 95 a of the tab 88 a. A longer and wider top area 95 a may give more room for seam 96 a to be made by the user, upon securing the tab 88 a to the bra 1400. The tab 88 a, including the sewn-on receiving sleeve 50 a, may be sewn onto the bottom band 1402 of the bra 1400 by the user herself, via a seam 96 a in various examples. In various examples, the seam 96 a may be the length of the width of the tab 88 a, such as about ½ inches or wider; however, the width of the seam 96 a should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In various examples, the sewing may be accomplished by hand sewing, sewing machine, or any suitable method. The user's securing-sewing-seam 96 a may be sewn horizontally in the area 95 a which is between a top of the tab 88 a and the end of the sewn-on receiving sleeve 50 a. The placement of the tab 88 a on the bra 1400 may be at any location on the bra 1400, depending on the user's needs and preference for utilizing the mastectomy bra accessory 38. In various examples, when the tab 88 a is attached to the bra 1400, the exposed edges of the tab 88 a and the receiving sleeve 50 a may then be either stitched or have a substance to prevent fraying of the edges applied to the tab 88 a. In various examples, a fray prevention liquid, such as that sold under the trademark FrayBlock™ may be applied. In various other examples, other products that may prevent fraying may be applied. In other examples, other mechanisms for preventing frayed edges of the tab 88 a may be utilized.

FIG. 16D illustrates the tab 88 a with the receiving sleeve 50 a sewn onto it. As illustrated, the tab 88 a includes the seams 89 a,96 a. The location or number of seams 89 a,96 a should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure. In various other examples, more than two seams or less than two seams may be provided. In the present example, the seam 89 a unites the receiving sleeve 50 a to the rectangular material piece 88 a. Seam 96 a is created by the user to attach the tab 88 a to the bottom band 1402 of the bra 1400. The seam 96 a is made in the area 95 a of the tab 88 a in a horizontal direction in various examples.

In various examples, any of the mastectomy bra accessories 20,80,81,82,38,1100 may be used in a one-piece swimsuit because often, while wearing a swimsuit, the movement of the prosthesis is greater. In various examples, the mastectomy bra accessory 20 may be utilized. In various other examples, the mastectomy bra accessories 80,81,82,38,1100 may be utilized. In various examples, the mastectomy bra accessories 20,80,81,82,38,1100 could be attached by the second connectors 24, to the sewn-in bra that is inside swimsuits. The first connectors 23,40 would attach to a sewn-in receiving sleeve. The receiving sleeve could be on the inside of the swimsuit, at the location of approximately where the wearer's waistline would be. In other examples, the same desired result of securing the prosthesis could be achieved by using connectors with suspender button clasp ends, with buttons sewn on the bottom of the swimsuit's bra and on the inside of the swimsuit, at the location of approximately where the wearer's waistline would be. An additional example could be a mastectomy bra accessory where both the first connector and the second connector have hooks, which may be similar to the hooks 52. In this example, a receiving sleeve would be on the swimsuit's bra and at the location of the waist area.

In various examples, the mastectomy bra accessories 20,80,81,82,38,1100 are used with a mastectomy bra. In these examples, the accompanying mastectomy bra may have one, two, or three receiving sleeves 50. In other examples, the bra may have one, two, or three pairs of vertical openings 70 already sewn into the bottom of the bra by a bra-manufacturer or by the wearer herself. In other examples, the bra may be a non-mastectomy bra. The three locations of the receiving sleeves 50 or the vertical openings 70 pairs could be in the locations under the middle of each bra cup and in the middle of the bottom band of the bra. The choice of locations and the number of receiving sleeves or vertical openings may be determined by the wearer and her individual needs. In other examples, all three locations may be pre-installed and provided during manufacture by a bra company before purchase. Although a mastectomy bra device was described, in other examples the device may also be used with a regular (non-mastectomy) bra whose prosthesis has either been sewn in it or enclosed in it via an added sewn-in prosthesis-holding pocket. For use with the device, the receiving sleeves or the vertical openings may be sewn onto the bottom band of the (non-mastectomy) bra.

FIG. 18 illustrates a user 1804 utilizing the mastectomy bra accessory 20 with the bra 1800 having the left cup 42, the right cup 44, and the bottom band 1802. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the first connector 23 is secured to the bottom band 1802 and the second connector 24 is secured to the top end 35 of the outer garment 30 according to various examples.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular examples or that one or more particular examples necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular example.

It should be emphasized that the above-described examples are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described example(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. 

That which is claimed is:
 1. A bra accessory device comprising: a strap having a first end and a second end; and a first connector connected to the first end of the strap and attachable to a bra, the second end of the strap attachable to a non-bra garment.
 2. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the strap is adjustable.
 3. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the strap is an elastic material.
 4. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the first connector is non-clasping.
 5. The accessory device of claim 4, wherein the first connector is one of a hook and a button.
 6. The accessory device of claim 1, further comprising a second connector connected to the second end of the strap.
 7. The accessory device of claim 6, wherein the second connector is selected from one of a clasp, a hook, and a button.
 8. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the first connector is attachable to the bra under a cup of the bra at a bottom band of the bra.
 9. The accessory device of claim 1, wherein the first connector is attachable to the bra at a bottom band of the bra.
 10. The accessory device of claim 9, wherein the first connector is attachable to the bra at the bottom band of the bra under a left cup and a right cup of the bra and between the left cup and right cup of the bra.
 11. A bra comprising: a left cup; a right cup; and a bottom band disposed beneath the left cup and right cup and having a front section extending from the left cup to the right cup, the bottom band including a connector on the front section.
 12. The bra of claim 11, wherein the connector includes a receiving sleeve.
 13. The bra of claim 11, wherein the connector is under one of the left cup, the right cup, and a center portion between the left cup and the right cup.
 14. A system for securing a bra, the system comprising: a bra including a left cup, a right cup, and a bottom band disposed beneath the left cup and right cup, the bottom band having a front section extending from the left cup to the right cup, the bottom band including a connector on the front section; a non-bra garment; and a bra accessory device including a strap, the strap having a first end and a second end, the first end having a connector attached to the connector on the front section of the bra, the second end attached to the non-bra garment.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the system includes a second bra accessory device including a strap having a first end and a second end, the first end having a connector attached to the connector on the front section of the bra, the second end attached to the non-bra garment.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein the connector is non-clasping.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the connector is one of a hook and a button.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein the second end includes a connector.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein the connector on the front section of the bra includes a receiving sleeve.
 20. The system of claim 14, wherein the bra accessory device includes an adjuster positioned on the strap, and wherein the adjuster is adjustably movable along the strap to adjust a length of the strap. 